Matsuyama shoots 68 to stay in contention

PACIFIC PALISADES, California – Hideki Matsuyama remained in contention to become the first Japanese golfer to win back-to-back titles on the U.S. PGA Tour after a 3-under-par 68 in the third round of the Northern Trust Open on Saturday.

Matsuyama, who won his last event at the Phoenix Open earlier this month, shot six birdies and three bogeys at the par-71 Riviera Country Club and closed out tied for 10th place, three shots behind American Bubba Watson.

Watson carded a 67 and was one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard at 12-under 201.

Watson was one shot ahead of Dustin Johnson, Jason Kokrak and Chez Reavie.

Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott were among the 10 players, including Matsuyama, within three shots of the lead.

Matsuyama is the only Japanese player left in the weekend rounds after Hiroshi Iwata missed the cut on Friday.